mythology

[mi-thol-uh-jee]

noun

plural

mythologies 

1. a body of myths, as that of a particular people or that relating to a particular person.

   Greek mythology.

2. myths collectively.

3. the science or study of myths.

4. a set of stories, traditions, or beliefs associated with a particular group or the history of an event, arising naturally or deliberately fostered.

   the Fascist mythology of the interwar years.

mythology

/ mɪˈθɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. a body of myths, esp one associated with a particular culture, institution, person, etc

2. a body of stories about a person, institution, etc

   the mythology of Hollywood

3. myths collectively

4. the study or collecting of myths

mythology

1. The body of myths belonging to a culture. Myths are traditional stories about gods and heroes. They often account for the basic aspects of existence — explaining, for instance, how the Earth was created, why people have to die, or why the year is divided into seasons. Classical mythology — the myths of the ancient Greeks and Romans — has had an enormous influence on European and American culture.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mythology¹

1375–1425; late Middle English mythologie < Late Latin mȳthologia < Greek mȳthología. See mytho-, -logy

Example Sentences

It’s there in our rituals and mythologies, our cravings and holidays.

From Salon

His father, Charles Sr., took the family on weekly outings to the Santa Monica Public Library, where young “Charlie” devoured Greek mythology.

From Los Angeles Times

All of this, he adds, simply becomes part of the mythology that grows up around them.

From Los Angeles Times

Until now, “there’s never been much opposition, really” to the narrative of the Californios’ decline, Chavez-Garcia said, calling it “foundational” to the state’s mythology.

From Los Angeles Times

Her presence in the genre, her Blackness and her artistry, challenged long-standing assumptions about who belongs in the visual and sonic mythology of the American heartland.

From Salon

Related Words

• belief 
• legend 
• lore 
• tradition